KING SOLOMON :
Imagine if Ghana operated under a federal system of government, similar to that of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where each state had constitutionally defined powers to manage its own affairs and develop according to its resources and priorities.
Imagine Dr Yaw Adutwum serving as the lifelong Minister of Education in the ASANTEMAN State, with John Agyekum Kufuor or Alan Kyerematen elected as Prime Minister of ASANTEMAN State, while the mighty Asantehene continued to serve as the traditional emperor and symbol of Asanteman's traditional authority.
The Northern Territories, Western Togoland, and Gold Coast would also have the opportunity to manage their own affairs through their respective state governments, under a mutually agreed federal constitution that defines their powers, responsibilities, and relationship with the national government.
Under such a system, the natural resources and human resources available in each state could contribute more directly to its own development. Each state could have greater authority over education, healthcare, infrastructure, investment, and other regional priorities, while contributing to national responsibilities such as defence, foreign affairs, and the national economy.
This is one of the lessons we can examine from the UAE, which is a federation of seven emirates. Each emirate has its own local government and certain constitutionally recognised powers, while the federal government handles matters assigned to it under the UAE Constitution.
Ghana could explore whether a carefully designed federal system would promote fairer resource allocation, stronger local accountability, healthy competition among states, and more balanced development. Instead of concentrating so much decision-making power in Accra, states could have greater responsibility for planning their own development and using their resources transparently for the benefit of their people.
Most importantly, a fair federal arrangement could help reduce some of the political tensions, tribal hatred, jealousy, and resentment that arise when communities feel excluded from national decision-making or believe that resources are distributed unfairly.
2026-10-23 14:36:57